struggling companies they founded, including michael dell of dell computer, and best buy's richard schultze. erika miller, "n.b.r.," new york. >> susie: lowe's nails it today with better than expected quarterly results. not only did the home improvement retailer post solid earnings and revenues, it's upbeat about its outlook for this year. but as ruben ramirez reports while lowe's and its competitor, home depot expect a bump in sales on the back of new home construction, their success is still dependent on everyday consumers opening their pocketbooks. >> reporter: home improvement retailers continue seeing the trickle down effect of a recovering housing market and a boost in renovations on the back of a better economy. about a quarter of sales at lowe's and home depot come from home construction and renovation. during the housing downturn, lowe's tightened its toolbelt, closing stores, cutting costs and investing in its online business. it's a plan that is starting to pay off. >> it really will take a couple of years yet before the combination of improved merchandising, better supply chain